~ Chapter 17 ~
Salvage Slaves

Blaine smiled over at Kurt as he half-hoped and half-cat walked to the counter to order for food.

He's been seeing Kurt worried a lot lately. There were moments when Kurt would become tense and stiff for some reason; or simply zone out of the conversation, looking somewhere far off, thinking a lot. It didn't take long for Blaine to find out that it was because of his newly heightened senses, in fact, Hiram had warned him after discharging Kurt of these things happening.

It had been excruciating for Blaine to witness Kurt go through so much stress. But Andy had come to talk to him on the subject often, relieving Blaine's tension by giving him many sound advices. All the same, Blaine knew Kurt was different, kinder than any other Vampire he'd confronted.

As a Vampire Assassin his views were greatly changed. He realized that maybe, his Uncle Roger and Aunt Elsa's families back in Kentucky knew there was a chance that co-existence was possible. Maybe, that's why they'd given up on hunting unless utmost necessity. But there were still the bad ones out there. The Rouges and the vultures like Edward. Blaine's whole take on this business was slowly changing.

All thanks to his boyfriend.

"It's really interesting seeing the human side of Karofsky," Nick commented after Blaine had finished telling him everything. "It really makes you wonder if being a Vampire can change you."

Jeff shook his head. "I still think Dave is a bad person. He chose to be a bad Vampire thus. I don't acre if he was under pressure by his Dad or something. Just look at Andy, he's chose to be a nice Vampire. And Kurt."

Blaine nodded. "I think its still worth a shot to give Dave a chance. He—told me a lot about people he's changed too. About Amanda..." He looked at Nick hesitantly through his eyelashes.

Nick stiffened at the mention of his sister. Conflicting emotions flickered on his face. "What about her?" He sounded like he didn't care but it was plain to see that he did.

"He gave me a location. Said she lives there in hiding." When Nick remained silent, Blaine went on. "We can go there and bring her to the Deserters—they can lodge her and we need assistance anyways."

Jeff was looking at the tabletop, but leaning to Nick in support. After a few heartbeats, Nick nodded. "Yes, yes, we can go. I'd like bringing her in our team."

Jeff smiled at his lover proudly, enveloping Nick in a hug. Blaine was glad about it too. Turning over he decided to see how long Kurt will take.

The sight of Kurt leaning against the counter and listening closely to Marley was alluring. His slender figure was bent enticingly, making his ass visible. Blaine found himself very hot suddenly. The forbidden dreams he'd been having ever since his confession to Kurt came rushing back in the waking hours. The things he could do, WANTED to do, to Kurt came to his mind all at once like a bullet.

If it wasn't for the crowded Tavern; or the fact that Kurt wanted to take things slow; Blaine would've launched himself on his boyfriend here and now.

A wide, beautiful pair of glasz eyes suddenly filled his vision and Kurt was now looking at him. He should feel ashamed at being caught, but all he could do, was stare as Kurt flushed majestically. At the shy laughter on his boyfriend's lips, Blaine suddenly fantasized about kissing him crazy, and licked his own lips without another thought. If possible, Kurt turned even redder, but there was a glint in Kurt's eyes that Blaine didn't understand—almost brash, satisfied glint.

But then Kurt's eyes wandered away from his, toward the door. Kurt's face fell and went pale again. Blaine turned in his seat to ascertain who had made Kurt react this way.

Sebastian Smyth was standing in the Tavern doorway, looking around the tables with a calculated gaze.

Everyone went quiet. Everyone in attendance was either one of the Puckpeople or Deserters—hence knowledgeable of the fact that this wasn't just Mayor's son. This was a Vampire. In Human territory.

Before anyone could attack or react in any way—Blaine stood up, claiming everyone's attention.

At this, Sebastian also turned to Blaine, a small thoughtful frown on his face. Then he walked forward till he was standing right in front of the Warblers.

"I assumed I'd find Santana here," said Sebastian, ignoring the stares of everyone else.

"She's on some other errand, no doubt. Or maybe still searching for you," Blaine replied, calmly even though he was ready to attack at the moment's notice. "It was unwise showing yourself here like this. Your father's spies are still after you, you know."

Sebastian smiled crookedly. "I am aware. They followed me all the way here. In fact, I bet they are observing us through the windows. Maybe this will send a message to my father."

Blaine nodded, understanding that Sebastian was offering himself up to their team in a most peaceful manner possible. He invited him to join them. "Take a seat. Kurt will be here after ordering soon."

"I'm afraid he won't," Sebastian said, looking beyond Blaine.

Blaine knew Kurt would freak out. That's why he'd tried to engage Sebastian first. Now, turning back, he walked toward the counter.

"It's all right, Kurt," he told his shocked boyfriend. "He came here because we asked him to. Or Santana did. Its fine—come on."

Kurt still looked hesitant, but trusting Blaine, he took hold of the offered hand and came to sit with them all.

Nobody said anything for a while.

"You knew then?" Sebastian suddenly asked from Blaine. "About that meeting."

"Yes," Blaine replied. "I felt as if I saw you there but ignored it. It wasn't till Quinn informed me that she's smelled you and I realized you knew of everything. But why didn't you show yourself to Santana when she came for you?"

"I had to be sure. Besides, I needed to decide what I was going to do next."

Blaine tensed suddenly, tone getting harsh. "If you still intend to use Kurt as your ticket out of here you can get the hell out of this place."

Sebastian smirked. "Calm down. I don't want to use Kurt anymore. In fact, after that meeting, I'm more than willing to take out my so-called father. After he's dead, I can go wherever I like."

Neck and Jeff exchanged excited glances, Kurt frowned at them thoughtfully. Blaine however, relaxed only slightly.

"So...where does that leave us then?" Blaine asked finally. "Are you with us or not?"

Sebastian tucked his chin close to his chest and went still as only a Vampire could. He ignored the eager glances of Nick and Jeff, or Kurt's understandable confusion and Blaine's tensed gaze.

He looked worse for wear, which was quiet unusual for any of them. Sebastian usually presented a good-looking, arrogant picture being who he was. His current escape had obviously done him a lot worst than he'd intended.

Despite himself, Blaine felt a shred of sympathy for the monster. Knowing Sebastian's true heritage, and the way his father had obviously decided to wipe him off like a dirt speck, he couldn't help himself to bring up any old grudges when Sebastian was willingly here. Having shown up like this, despite the danger to his own being, put Sebastian into a whole new light. And Blaine was prepared to take a chance in any case. Edward had to go down—even if it meant fraternizing with his so-called son.

"I'd like to help you," Sebastian announced softly. "Not because I feel like I owe you something or because it's the right thing to do. I'm doing it because I'm tired of being a slave to my father's wishes. I don't want his title if that's what he fears for. I don't need his money either. I just want my freedom—and if helping you people can bring me that, I'll take it."

Blaine looked at his companions here. He knew that they, like himself, had detected the sound of sincerity and conviction in Sebastian's voice. Sure enough, his boyfriend and his brothers, both were looking at Sebastian with barely contained expressions of shocked surprise.

"Fine. You are in. We'll take you to the Headquarters again and then we'll let everybody, who are faithful to us, know of your alliance too," Blaine said decisively. Then looking through the huge Tavern windows, he finally smiled. "And seeing as your father's guards have left already, Ed must know of your decision too by now. Which puts you in more danger still. But I do believe you are capable of taking care of yourself well enough?"

Sebastian smiled again, his old swagger coming back a little. "I have firm belief in my own abilities. Those pathetic puppets were created by Edward mere years back. They have nothing on my years of experiences."

This made Jeff gasp aloud and blurt, "How old are you exactly?"

In answer Sebastian just shrugged. "Older than Old Riley is. What does it matter? So is Santana."

Jeff was visibly stumped at that, and Kurt almost hid his smile along with Nick, who seemed to be observing his boyfriend with fond amusement.

Sebastian suddenly became awkward and slid his chair back to get up. "Ah—I—I guess that's settled then. I'll—just—I'm gonna..."

"Wait," Blaine said firmly, and Nick nodded too in encouragement. "We've ordered food. I don't know if you'll be able to eat anything human but—you are welcome to join us."

Sebastian looked uneasy. It was obvious he hadn't expected them to be suddenly being so nice. But he slid back into his chair slowly, and mumbled, "Human food doesn't really satisfy us. But we can eat it. Although—I'd like water. Lots of water."

Nobody asked him why he was asking for water when it was clear he was thirsty for something else. Blaine told Marley—when she came with their order, giving Sebastian a frightened look—to bring a few bottles of water. Sebastian drank them all (5 in total) as they ate. Then he started on his own hamburger, slowly and fully chewing every bite.

Blaine felt Kurt's hand on his own and smiled at his boyfriend. There was a question in those beautiful eyes, and some sort of accusation. He felt slightly ashamed. Kurt evidently didn't have any idea of what transpired in the days he was sleeping and recovering. He knew Kurt was reminding him of his promise—a promise he'd intentionally forgotten.

"I'll tell you afterwards," Blaine said, leaning close to whisper in Kurt's ear.

Kurt flinched slightly at the warm breath on his skin, and tried his hardest to not flush, failing miserably. Blaine had again the sudden urge to kiss Kurt.

"So—you guys are together then?" Sebastian's voice yanked him out of his daydreams.

"Ah—what?" Blaine knew what Sebastian meant but he wasn't going to tell this Vampire everything just because he was in on the team.

"You and Kurt...are you two together?"

Blaine didn't answer. He didn't need to. Nick and Jeff's sudden giggles and failed attempts at being subtle, along with Kurt's increasing blush made it too clear. Sebastian didn't say anything negative or condensing.

"You guys are cute together," was all that the Vampire said.

The Warblers and Kurt were shocked to say the least. They knew that Mayor was against homosexuality and yet, his own son was showing rather positive attitude about the whole thing. It was mind boggling.

But nobody talked about anything further as they finished the meal.

Blaine decided to walk Kurt home, getting up and almost leaving. But then he turned back and said to Sebastian, "Have you heard anything about Dave and Lauren?"

Sebastian frowned and replied, "They are missing? Or that is what I gathered from the guards who have being combing the woods. Why?"

Blaine looked meaningfully at his brothers instead, who were seriously looking back too, and gave them a nod. To Sebastian, he said, "Stay here. Ask Puck for lodgings tonight. Nick and Jeff will explain some things to you."

Blaine felt Kurt give him a strange look. But as he tried to leave, Kurt tugged at his arm to stop again.

"I want to ask him something," Kurt whispered and turned back to the table, looking uncertainly at the Vampire. "Was the reason you wanted to drag me to your father that night your freedom?"

Sebastian looked shocked at being asked such an unexpected thing. He flustered. "I—I had to do something! The chance was too good to miss and I—Yes. Yes, it was my only reason."

Kurt's thoughtful face changed into a huge smile. "Well then. Welcome to the team, Sebastian. See you again?"

Sebastian—who was too shocked and flustered to reply—could only nod concurringly.

Blaine smiled widely at his boyfriend, and taking his hand, led him out of the Tavern.

"Now—tell me everything!" snapped Kurt.

Blaine laughed out loud at this brisk order, explaining things about Sebastian as they slowly walked back to the Hummels house.
XXXXX

Back in the Tavern, Nick and Jeff were fairly nervous. For them as Warblers most of their lives in Hilltown, it was no routine occurrence to be sitting side by side with a Vampire. Blaine wasn't the only one who had to change his ways for sake of everyone's safety.

"So what's that about Dave and Lauren everyone's been talking about?" Sebastian asked them.

"Before we say anything," Jeff said, looking angrily into the Vampire's eyes. "We'll need proof that you really want to help us."

"What kind of proof?"

Nick and Jeff shared another quick look. "We'll first take you with us to this little mission Blaine had given to us. Then—we'll decide if you are trustworthy. And we'll lead you to Sue and everyone else and officially introduce you as an ally."

"OK. Fair enough. But what mission is this?"

In answer, Nick picked up a folded piece of paper that had been laying on the tabletop for a long while. He opened it up and read what was written, frowning.

"Blaine left this here for us," he said softly. "It's a list of—names, addresses—people we'll have to pick up and deliver to the Deserters. We'll need your help."

Sebastian held out his hand for the paper. Nick silently handed it over. There were a few names that the Vampire suddenly recognized as some of Dave's subordinates.

"There are a few Vampires on this too," he informed the Warblers.

"They are all Vampires, actually," Nick notified. "And don't worry; we are not trying to harm them. We are trying to gather allies, even Vampire ones."

"But you don't get it!" Sebastian said, trying not to sound irritated, even if he was. "These are a few of Dave's vampires. What exactly are you planning on doing once you take them to Deserters and affix them as allies. They'll just go back to Dave eventually."

Jeff smiled mysteriously, but kept looking at Nick, who was still silent and serious.

"That, we'll explain after we've picked up the first candidate." Nick stood up resolutely. "Her name's Amanda. We'll pick her up first."

Sebastian got up readily too. "Yeah—fine. Let's get going."

And the Warblers, along with Sebastian, left the Tavern to find the girl.
XXXXX


Edward was pacing angrily up and down his office. Mr. St. James, Karofsky and Fabray were standing silently at his side, looking uneasy with the way things had turned out.

A guard had reported an hour ago some strange things. At first neither Edward not his subordinates had believed anything. But after thinking on the way things have been going recently, it wasn't hard to figure out that they've been betrayed. By their own children.

"What I don't understand is...why? Why would they do this when we've given them everything?!" Mr. Fabray said to no one in particular.

Edward didn't reply and went on with his pacing.

Karofsky only looked at the floor, trying to comprehend why his son had vanished into thin air without even informing them. He tried to think back on when was the last time he'd seen Dave, talked to him, or spent time with him. He couldn't recall anything.

Russell Fabray was looking saddened. He'd brought Quinn up under the strict Christians beliefs and, after she turned, his sole purpose had only been to make her into a perfect Leader who was loyal to her coven. To hear that she was the paradigm for this betrayal to begin with was torture for him. God forbid, the mere notion that his precious daughter has gone against his orders (to remain loyal to Edward) and the grounding beliefs she'd been brought up on was objectionable. He couldn't understand what was going on.

St. James was the only one who stood tall, there was a barely perceptible smirk on his face. His son hadn't been involved in any of betrayers. In fact, Jesse was leading the team who've been searching for Dave and Lauren this past week. St. James was content that now his position with Edward would be even more greater than the two people standing next to him. If Edward eliminated these two, due to the betrayal of their children, St. James would have no more competition. He could easily became Edward's only right hand man. And after their plans succeed, he'd become the Lord with Edward over every Vampire in this world.

Edward, presently, stopped still. There was angry snarl on his features as he stared down at his subordinates.

"I have already recommended my guards to take out Sebastian at sight," he said, slowly but with venom dripping out of each word. "I'll set example by having my own son punished to those who are going to even consider betraying me next. And I want you to do the same. Bring me the heads of your kids; then, and only then, will I allow you to even continue existing. Is it understood?"

Fabray and Karofsky both nodded, murmuring, "Understood, my Lord."

"Leave at once in that case," Edward turned and sat in his chair, folding his hands on tabletop. "And don't show me your faces unless you bring the corpses of those betrayers with you."

As both the men hastened away, St. James came to sit across from Edward. There was barely contained anticipation on his face. "What now, my Lord?"

Edward suddenly grinned, his fangs catching light. "It's been proved I can trust no one here. If I want my plans to success, I'll have to take matters into my own hands. That's why, I'll have to ask you one thing, and for once only." Fixing St. James with a intense gaze, he asked, "Are you going to betray me too? Is your son going to betray me?"

St. James looked disgusted. "Never, my Lord. And if my son even tries doing so I'll have his head. You can trust me, my Lord. All I wish is to serve you. And maybe, one day, rule beside you."

Edward looked satisfied with this. He leaned back on his chair. There was another menacing, fanged smile. "Join me at midnight tonight. It's about time I take what is rightfully mine from those Hummels."
XXXXX


Outside in the hallway, a woman stood listening in on Edward's conversation. The moment he uttered these damming words, she went still, her eyes bugled in horror.

NO! she thought in panic, and ran as fast as she could.
XXXXX


When I insist on Blaine's staying for dinner, Carole and Finn are only too obliging. They smile and invite him at once. Finn even mentions about some 'Far Cry 3 marathon' with Blaine, who accepts readily. When I look at Dad, he only rolls his eyes. I hear him mutter, "I swear it's like these two are already married..."

"We are not!" I blurt loudly at once. And then, of course, I'm flushing because the idea of Blaine and I as a married couple is just too intriguing and romantic.

Dad goes still for a moment and then bursts out laughing. "OK. I official give up! It is gonna a take a lot of time adjusting to you super hearing."

I duck my head, embarrassed again. Yes, my hearing has been causing a lot of weirdness. Like a few days ago, when Rachel was over—well, let's just say I did not appreciate hearing a full-blown make-out and groping session between Finn and her through the walls. Try as hard as I might, I could NOT STOP hearing their moaning voices. In the end, I had to plug in my ear phones and blast Michael Jackson's classics for an entire hour.

Plus hearing what goes on between Carole and Dad isn't exactly my favorite thing in the world either.

Some times, it is fun. I can sit with my closed eyes and hear as far as the house next door and hear two teenage girls bickering over their boyfriends. Or the house in the back where apparently the boy is doing drugs and the parents are way too buys cheating on each other to care. And the house across street—where Puck's guards used to stay at times—they are convinced of a haunting. Why else would they be hearing the footsteps on the roof?

At times I even can smell what goes on around me. Like, I've mastered at recognizing scents of my family. I can tell without even looking who's in the room—heck, I can tell Finn will be home five minutes ahead.

At times like these, I feel as if being half-human is a trip. But when my 'thirst' gets in the way I feel uneasy. I feel terrified that I'd end up hurting someone dear to me. So for the sake of my family's safety, I decide to go along with Blaine's idea of keeping myself well-fed on blood-bags.

"Hey Dad, can I talk to you a minute?"

Picking up on my secretive tone, Dad nods. We leave Finn and Blaine in front of the TV with their game. Both of them far too existed to try out the newest edition to pay any mind to us.

"What's wrong, son?" Dad looks at me anxiously. "Have you been feeling—well?"

"I'm well. Mostly. But—um—I still feel—" It's awkward, really, talking to my Dad about blood drinking so easily. "You know—thirsty."

Dad nods. "And you need some blood? Come with me, come on." And he heads toward the stairs.

There's a door underneath the stairs that leads to the smallest cellar I've ever seen. In fact, before today I'd no idea that we even had one. There are a few broken bits of furniture and boxes when we finally get there. Everything is covered in layers and layers of dust, making it clear nobody comes down here often.

But sitting at the far wall is a brand new deep freezer. Dad makes his way toward it. Then looking back at me, he signals to come forward.

I can't believe he'd do such a thing! Because even before he throws open the lid—the light spills out from the freezer in the dingy cellar—I know what's stored inside it.

There were at east fifty bags of blood lying in there, half frozen like slushy.

"I'd had Garret bring these over. He's made some sort of deal with the Memorial clerk about blood-bags. So even if anybody suspected anything they won't be able to find who has it," Dad explains as if it's the most normal thing to have a blood-filled freezer in your home. "I figured that you'll need some eventually so— Well. If you feel parched, just come down here, and drink as much as you want. Just don't—don't let Carole see you. We closed off this cellar because she's afraid of underground places. She's freak if she saw you disappearing here."

I know that he wants to say that Carole might freak out at my drinking blood as well; he's being delicate. But I'm staring at the bags, speechless. For him to think ahead for me like this—even though I'm half a monster...It's staggering. To think he cares for me so much. My resolve to never hurt my family because of what I've become strengthens even more.

"Here," Dad says, handing me a key. "I've put on a new padlock at the door. This is the only key. You can come here and drink. Then I need you to lock this stash away again every time after you are done, OK?"

I take the key, feeling my throat tighten in a different kind of emotion. Then I embrace my father tightly. "Thank you," I whisper, tying to convey my gratitude for not only accepting me as I am, but also for everything they've done for me all my life with or without my knowledge. I hope he understands that.

The way his arms tighten around me a bit, and the way I can feel him smile against my shoulder, tells me that he does know. "You're my precious son, Kurt. I love you, and this is just the kind of thing any parent would do for their kids."

I wanted to point out that "NO, THEY WON'T." But why ruin this moment with such a thing? So I just hug him back more. Then he finally steps away, and squeezing my shoulder, he leaves me alone in the cellar.

I hear the door softly close after him. And then I turn to garb a blood-bag from the freezer.
XXXXX

"This is the place?" Jeff asked in a whisper.

They'd easily found the area but they still didn't know how to proceed without alarming Amanda, if she was inside.

The building was decrepit and old, and manifestly abandoned. The only sign of anyone living there was the covered up windows. Someone had meticulously covered the windows with cardboard and wooden planks as if to block the light and air. The front lawn was a wild scene of thorny bushes and overly grown grass. Three trees surrounded the front lawn in such a way that their branching expanse hid most of the house from view of the road where they'd come from.

Sebastian had to admit at the ingenuity of the hiding place.

This area was burned down a few years back at the result of a clash between a group of rebelling Vampires and the Deserters. The Warblers had been responsible for rescuing the surviving humans, and eliminating the Vampires. There had been town-wide emergency as the fire engines tried to stop the fire before it spread toward the town or the forest beyond, resulting in even major tragedy. In fact, this was the incident that had thrown the Warblers into a negative light for the townspeople in the first place. At least nine houses had burned down, with more than 40 casualties.

The Warblers had been sort of the real hero, for they'd stopped the clash by killing off the Vampires. They'd even participated in dousing the fire, with Puckpeople, even when they'd not been allied. After the fire had been controlled and everybody realized they must find those responsible, the Warblers had left. The Puckpeople being the only ones who'd noticed them in the mayhem, stayed silent on account of their contribution in killing Vampires. The surviving humans were too traumatized to even mention who'd saved them to begin with.

Afterwards, this part of the town had become sort of a haunted ground. Sebastian knew for a fact that all the stories were just that, stories. But still, nobody dared to come anywhere near this burned, charcoaled part of the town. The vegetation had claimed the nine ruins of houses easily, making the area even more of an eyesore. The neighborhoods had slowly stated to move away, till the nearest living house was at least more than 2 kilometers apart.

Thus, it was the best place to hide and disappear into. Best place for Dave's antisocial, illegally created Vampires to live in.

"Yes, I believe so," Sebastian said finally in answer.

"Wow. This brings back memories," said Jeff in a way of a joke.

Only Nick knew that his boyfriend was actually nervous. He also remembered that night when the fight had broken off. It was lurid for the Warblers still. They'd killed off the Vampire, but they'd seen many humans die in their arms too. Making their victory tremendously sour.

"Do you think she's in there?" Jeff asked again, when nobody moved to proceed.

Sebastian inhaled deeply, trying to catch any scent to corroborate if there was nay Vampire in the surroundings.

Nick had mentioned in route that this girl, Amanda, was actually his sister. Dave had accidentally turned her and now Nick was trying to save her since something has happened to Dave. (Sebastian still was wondering what it could be. If Dave was dead then it was good riddance. He knew from experience what a monster Karofsky could be.)

Suddenly, Sebastian stiffened. "That's odd."

"What is?" Nick asked sharply.

"I thought people avoided this place. But I'm detecting fair scents of Vampires. That's not all, though. I can hear humans in there too..."

Nick tried to remember if there'd been any reports of missing person by the townspeople recently. According to his research, he knew for a fact that nobody had gone missing in at least three months. He'd know if it was someone from the Deserters because of that soft board records in the HQ.

"Odd, indeed," Nick mumbled. "No matter. Blaine's orders were clear. We have to take her with us. And if there are any humans, we'll simply rescue them too."

Sebastian shrugged. "Whatever. Let's get it over with."

With deliberate slowness, they made their way through the bushy, thorny front lawn. At first, Nick brought up his fist as if he was about to knock at the door. But then, he simply grabbed the broken, corroded handle and turned the knob.

With a creaking sound, the door, opened. The hallway was badly burned and dilapidated. However, there were sure signs of people having lived here.

Nick went in first, followed by Jeff who had his crossbow at the ready. Sebastian, looking a bit confused, followed and shut the door softly behind them.

"I'll take this floor," Nick murmured. "You guys take the second floor...or what's left of it..."

It was true. The stairs were mostly burned and broken off. There was a barely accessible pathway up. Two rooms still seemed to be standing up there. Jeff and Sebastian made their careful way up the treacherous stairs.

It wasn't in Sebastian's nature to be worried or scared. But this house was giving him a strange feeling. The scents he picked up kind of disgusted him. But he remained wry. He just had a dreadful feeling that whatever they'd find here would be unpleasant.

As they finally stood at the top of the ruined stairs, Sebastian inhaled again. Apart from Nick and Jeff's scents, he picked again a subtle hint of a Vampire having been here recently. He even knew that this Vampire was someone known—he just couldn't understand who exactly at the moment. But most odd was the scent of two or more humans nearby.

"There's somebody inside that room," Sebastian said softly to Jeff, pointing to the only room across the hall that seemed to be still sturdy.

Jeff frowned and clutched his crossbow tighter. He knew he should call Nick up, but there was a possibility that Amanda might be downstairs. Besides, there was no way he'd fully trust Sebastian.

"On three, you'll open the door..." Jeff murmured back.

They both stood on the both sides of the door, with their backs against the burnt wooden walls. Jeff looked at Sebastian, mouthing ONE—TWO—...THREE!

Sebastian used his Vampire abilities to open the door without even touching. Nobody came out to attack them. Nothing moved.

"I still hear them..." Sebastian said in confusion.

And then they finally looked inside the room—going still at the sight that met their eyes.

This room looked new. It was fully furnished as a bedroom. There were beautiful red drapes on the window. A huge, circular, curtained bed sat in the middle of the room, covered in silky royal blue covers. Underneath the covers two forms were lying.

They were humans. One was a boy of about 22 years old. The other was a 17 years old girl with dark hair. She looked somewhat familiar. Both of them were naked and looked unconscious.

"I don't get it—" Sebastian murmured. "I thought we were looking for a Vampire."

Jeff suddenly walked to the humans and tried to wake them up. They looked poorly fed and dehydrated. It seemed as if nobody had given them anything to eat in a few days at least. But then he saw something that made him stop in shock.

They both had manacles on their ankles, both chained to the bed so that they were unable to leave.

"Sex slaves..." Sebastian said in sudden understanding. "These were Dave's sex slaves. But—I'd heard he only took Vampires as sex slaves. These two are humans."

"Help me untie them," Jeff said, anxious at the shape the humans were in. "Come on!"

Sebastian grabbed their manacles and tore them apart easily as papers. Then in an after thought, he took off his coat and draped it over the naked girl. Jeff did the same with the boy, giving up his light cotton shirt.

"They need treatment," Sebastian decided. "Where shall we go? The Hospital or..."

But at that moment, Nick entered the room, looking a bit disappointed at his failed search downstairs. "Hey, guys—this place is empty. Nothing's down there—" His eyes went wide in horror at the scene in front of him. Then the expression of utmost sadness crossed his face as he looked at the girl.

"A-Amanda..?" he said in helpless whisper.

"Wait...this is Amanda?" Jeff asked, looking confused. "I thought she was a Vampire!"

"According to Quinn," Sebastian agreed, remembering that meeting he'd broken into.

Nick suddenly broke out of his horrified numbness and threw himself at the girl. He shook her, trying to make her open her eyes. But it was obvious that both the humans were worse for wear.

"Let's take them at the Sue's," Jeff said, picking up the boy in his arms easily. "And you, Vampire, get us a car or something. We can't go there on foot like this. It'll take too long."

Sebastian looked as if he'd protest at being ordered, but then he gave a firm nod and disappeared from view with his Vampire speed.

The time it took Jeff and Nick to transport Amanda and the boy down the stairs, Sebastian was already driving over in a car he'd stolen from a house nearby. He intended to return it too, but right now there were more important things to do, and consider.

It actually depressed him that even though he'd lived along with Dave most his life, he still hadn't known about these slaves or the condition they'd been kept in. He knew Vampires often kept slaves, but he also knew the kind of the bond these slaves shared with the Masters. Each Vampire was responsible for their charges and kept the slaves with dignity and love. It was the twisted, sickening form of bond, but yet—these salves looked near dead. That made him wonder if that's how Dave usually treated them? Or was it that Dave hadn't been around his slaves all these days because something had happened? He knew the Warblers had the answers, and he intended to find out.

He saw Nick and Jeff standing by the overgrown lawn, waiting. The moment he stopped the car in front of them, they piled inside the backseat. Sebastian stepped on the accelerator and hurriedly took a u-turn, speeding toward the Main Street and then the dirt road off to the Sue's.

"Can you explain to me now what is going on?" he asked as he drove.

Nick looked worried. But he explained in short sentences what had happened with Kurt, Dave and Lauren. Though, he still wasn't sure why his sister looked so badly ill. What was wrong with her? And why had Quinn lied about her being a Vampire?

Then, with a gasp, Nick's eyes went wide. He looked horrified as he watched Amanda in his arms.

"What's wrong, Nick? What is it?" Jeff asked tensed; he even looked out the windows to see if they were being attacked.

Sebastian was also looking at Nick's confused face in the rare mirror. What he'd heard about Kurt's power was mind-blowing. But the shocked look on Nick face was also worrying. He was waiting patiently for an explanation.

"Dave—Dave sired these Vampires we've got in the list," Nick said softly. "And we know that once we kill a certain Vampire, all the others he'd sired also die at once. But if Dave has turned human now, then...."

Nick looked down at Amanda again. He was reminded clearly of the way Dave and Lauren had looked when the Trinity brought them from the woods. They'd looked as pale, deathly, and sickly as Amanda appeared now.

"That's. Impossible..." Sebastian murmured, catching on what Nick meant.

Jeff was also looking at the boy in his lap. He realized why they'd looked so familiar. Its because they appeared same as Dave and Lauren while they were turning back into humans.

"Drive fast!" Nick snapped, checking over Amanda. "She's barely breathing. We don't have much time!"

And Sebastian, boggled out of his mind, stepped on it.
XXXXX


I knew that Vampires are nocturnal creatures, but for Gaga's sake! I'm not really a Vampire! I should be able to HALF-sleep at night at least, no? But all I can do is toss and turn, and try to ignore the inciting scents of the night.

I can feel the night breeze calling, pulling me. I had been feeling lethargy most days. DAYS, only. Every night I feel weirdly calmer and awake.

Tonight, though, it's extra stirring. I feel my whole body thrumming with power and adrenaline. I feel like running and jumping around like crazy. I feel like winning the Soccer World Cup. I feel like DOING something rather than lie down and go to sleep.

But as a human—half-human—I also have to maintain my schedule and sleep. I really am looking forward to the next day. Blaine will continue training with me (and though I am nervous at my new strength and dreadful at the ways I might hurt him) I want to spent time with him also. Afterwards, we'll have lunch at Tavern with Mercedes and my farmer boys after so long. Then we'll all head to the HQ and officially introduce and induct Sebastian.

Thinking of Sebastian makes me sad, but also wary. Truly, I'd faced him only once when he'd attended that French explanation I gave them in the gym. His conduct had been startling but not that bothersome when I think back on it. He'd been just a wee bit flirty and had taken hold of my arm tightly. He'd been otherwise harmless—when compared to how Karofsky treated me.

And as I can forgive Dave, I should also be able to give Sebastian a chance. Besides, if his own freedom was the only reason he wanted to harm me, I guess, I can look past that too. Everyone has a right to be free, even him. So, yes, I am excited about how things will work out with this new alliance.

Blaine had also mentioned, when he finally left tonight after dinner, of some mission Nick and Jeff were carrying out. I wonder how it went. Blaine had promised to let me know initially in the morning.

But for that, I have to sleep first. I can't be feeling this pent up and excited right now! I should be sleeping...!

Suddenly, I am still. I can hear—and feel—someone moving outside my window. It's the barely recognizable sound of somebody breathing heavily as if they'd been running. An extra layer of scent besides my family. When I don't detect any new heartbeat, I grasp that the person must be another Vampire.

Before I can get up and look outside, there's a whooshing sound of something flying.

CRASH!

The window of my room burst in the shower of sparkling glass. The sound of it incredibly loud in my sensitive ears. I jump in shock right out the bed. I shut off my eras, trying to get past the littered glass to see who'd done this. But then I notice a big rock lying in the middle of shattered glass on my floor. There's a piece of paper tired around it. I hastily pick it up and free the paper. Folding it open, I read what's written inside.

At first, it sounds like a joke. But then I feel something eerily familiar about the writing. And, disregarding the glass, I walk up to the window and only just catch the glimpse of a curvy shape disappearing into the dark night.

The door to my room burst open as Finn and Dad—who'd probably heard the crash—come in, looking worried.

"Jesus!" Finn gasps when he sees the shattered glass. Then he gasps again. "Kurt! You're hurt!"

Only then do I realize that my bare feet are embedded with shattered glass—as I'd walked on it—and bleeding on my skin colored carpet.

Dad turns on the lights and then vanishes down the hallway, saying, "I'll get Carole for first aid. Help him, Finn!"

Finn supports me, half stumbling at my weight and puts me gently on the other side of bed, far from the glass. He is looking at my face strangely, I wonder why? Am I looking confused, staring at the paper in my hand?

Then I catch sight of my face in the mirror. I look different. Not exactly like a Vampire, but my eyes have gone sharp and dark, still showing the glasz hue but more on the darker side. As I open my mouth, I can detect slightly sharpened fangs.

I turn away from the image in the mirror, and Finn's gaze. As Carole and Dad return, trying to help me, I stuff the paper in my pocket.

"Hmm," Dad says, picking up the rock. "Looks like the townspeople have started going ballistics on us. Edward would really like that."

I stayed silent, not telling him about the paper. Or what it had said.

"Run" it was written on the paper. "They are coming for you tonight, Kurt. You have to run."
XXXX

The Hummels went back to their sleep eventually. Kurt had to stay with Finn because of the broken window in his room. As the night wore on, and Kurt heard another disturbing noise in the night, he suddenly wishes that he HAD told his Dad about the warning message. But now, it was too late...